Intel Core i7 920 and 965 XE CPU Review

In a few weeks you can find a brand new Intel CPU at your local hardware shop, it still carries the Core name but it is drastically different compared to their previous Core 2 units. The Core i7 has an onboard memory controller and hyperthreading is re-introduced. We compare the performance of the entry level 920 model as well as the high end 965 XE.

Intel Extreme Motherboard DX58SO

Intel Extreme Motherboard DX58SO

This is Intel’s' X58 based board. Also referred to as "Smackover".

Image courtesy of Intel - Click for bigger picture.An overview of the board.

Image courtesy of Intel - the retail box

Image courtesy of Intel - Things that disappeared are the Floppy Port and the IDE port. No way to use your older devices on this board without an extra controller or convertor.

An empty gap at the rear I/O panel. But no PS/2 ports anymore.

Intel is aiming more and more toward the enthusiast with their mainboard. I still remember you had to unlock the BIOS by modding the board on the D975XBX. Now you get even power on buttons directly on the board. Saves you the trouble of finding a screwdriver to short the power on circuit.

The Smackover logo is also present on the chipset cooler. There is also a tiny fan + mount provided.